Archive for the ‘julie bowen’ Tag

Let’s move on to the supporting ladies of comedy, which is also the biggest category of the night as we have eight nominations for this year. Mayim Bialik luckily sneaks in for another year despite The Big Bang Theory and Jim Parsons finally being dropped, so that doesn’t inspire much confidence with her chances. Kate McKinnon has opened her episode with a big Clinton skit, as well as her Jane Lynch (2010 winner in this category) impersonation, but we have yet to see a sketch show performer win in the supporting categories. Meanwhile, 2x winner Julie Bowen settled for another Valentine’s Day episode (like that of her first bid), and while her tape pales in comparison, she’s a pretty respected veteran who voters already showered with love here. Niecy Nash, the year’s surprise nominee, can win ala Merritt Wever in 2013. Not only are they playing similar roles in cable comedic series, but it’s the underrated nominee who can benefit in a large group nominations. Gaby Hoffmann gets to be high and has threeway in her Transparent episode, but if she can’t win Guest Actress for a far more in your face performance, odds are, her nominations are her reward this year. Current champ Allison Janney already knows the tricks of the trade when it comes to Emmy, proven by her 6 trophies at home, and a seventh one is indeed possible as her tape is full of physical hilarity, something this category loves. After a string of unsuccessful bids for Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock, she comes back to the race, this time for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and while her submission was met with mixed reviews, her goodwill might be enough to trumple it. Closing the group is Anna Chlumsky on her third try and possibly her closest shot yet, as we see her give a breakdown speech to Julia Louis Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer.

This one feels like a battle between Allison Janney who has masterfully perfected the craft of Emmy process already vs. Anna Chlumsky who’s on a personal best episode in a Comedy Series frontrunner. Tony Hale managed to beat the Modern Family men in 2013, so maybe Chlumsky can too, but I’d say let’s be safe and think that Janney’s is the type of performance they reward multiple times.

Yesterday, the dramatic supporting actresses took the spotlight in our analysis. It’s now time for their comedic counterparts to shine as we tackle the Emmy for Comedy Supporting Actress. We’re bound to get a new winner this year since current champ Merritt Wever of Nurse Jackie was snubbed for a nomination (alongside Sofia Vergara of Modern Family).

Let’s begin with three time nominee Mayim Bialik. Solidifying her case as THE supporting actress from The Big Bang Theory, Bialik submits The Indecision Amalgamation in which her Amy plays total support to boyfriend Sheldon as he decides which gadget he’ll buy. As opposed to her previous submissions, Bialik doesn’t have a “scene” this year which is probably good for her chances as most pundits usually overrate those and her chances in general. In this episode though, she shares a dinner scene with Parsons where she plays over the top and that can probably get her some votes. She’s also coming fresh from a solo SAG nod and while that did not help Vanessa Williams or Sofia Vergara before, it indicates somewhat of a support for her.

The only previous winner in this category, 2x champ Julie Bowen firmly maintains her hold as one of the three remaining Modern Family cast to be nominated. This year, she has the opportunity to be the third person in history to have 3 Emmys in this category. Her submission, “The Feud“, is probably her weakest though. In it, she discovered that she got lice from her niece Lily, and she deals with its effect while closing a transaction with a developer. While it highlights Bowen’s strength in physical comedy, I don’t think it was able to maximize her acting skills at all. That said, far more surprising things have happened before, so I don’t think she’s necessarily out now.

Now on her second consecutive nomination, Veep‘s Anna Chlumsky submitted Detroit for this year. Opposite to her submissions last year where she plays in total control freak mode, Chlumsky is more subdued in this episode as she was relegated to the funny one liners. This ended with a confession from Selina to her character Amy and one that also touched her physical comedy with her massage scene at the end of the episode. Chlumsky’s weak spot is that Veep has perfected its use of its ensemble that a character like hers really find it hard to totally stand out. But at leas we see some range here and some “clip” material in her episode.

Gunning for a possible 2/2 this year, Allison Janney shows a different dynamic devoid of her subtle acting in Masters of Sex with her nomination for Mom. Playing the hip mother Bonnie, she submitted the episode Estrogen and a Heart Breakfast which dealt with her menopause. Ding ding ding! We have a winner. More often than not, this is an Emmy winning storyline that has given wins to many actresses before. In her episode, Janney was funny, riotous, dynamic, and just goes on a lot of range that is very different from her only Emmy winning role. It’s also a category that loves big flashy characters such as hers so it makes her case stronger. Her main con though is that Mom isn’t necessarily a well received show by the Emmys, and she’s competing with five other actresses who all belong to Series nominated shows.

Following the footsteps of Amy Poehler, Kristin Wiig, and Bill Hader, Kate McKinnon became the fourth cast member of Saturday Night Live to be nominated in the supporting category. While I didn’t think that Emmy would recognize her quickly, winning is an altogether different thing. In her episode hosted by Anna Kendrick, McKinnon actually appeared in a lot of sketches starting with the cold open and a slot with Colin Jost in the Weekend Update. In between, she also sang in the Dongs All Over the World, and this is a good submission per se. However, I’ll probably start to predict an SNL regular for a win once somebody starts to win. I still think they stick out like a sore thumb in the midst of all these other shows and that doesn’t work well in their favor.

And to complete it, we have veteran actress Kate Mulgrew receiving her first Emmy nod for Orange is the New Black.She submitted the episode Tit Punch in which the flashback focused on her character Red, and how she ended up in prison. While it mostly is dramatic, her range was undeniably present in this episode as we watch her character switch back and forth to flashback and present time. It’s also a complete arc for her character, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s in the most nominated comedy this year.

There’s a strong case to make for both Allison Janney and Kate Mulgrew here. It really depends on what the assigned panel will like since both make sense as the likely winner here. Mulgrew is the veteran who is in the more loved show and has the longest screentime among all nominees here. Janney, on the other hand, comes back with a bang and I’m really not buying the spread the wealth thing between her two nods since thoe are two separate panels voting in here and in Drama Guest Actress and the chance of a person voting into both is slim to none. After all, the last person who won two acting Emmys the same year is Janney’s West Wing co-star Stockard Channing a dozen years ago. In the end, I guess I’ll go with Janney here. At times, the writing is already on the wall and that Emmys will just go with it (think of Maggie Smith in 2012 as for starters). Mulgrew is a close second though. The other four are really interchangeable it doesn’t even matter anymore…unless we get a Merritt Wever win again.

Hi guys! We’re now past halfway the Emmy week over at Tit for Tat, and after discussing the possible nominees and my predictions for Reality and Variety, and TV Movie and Miniseries, it’s time to continue the prognosticating before Mindy Kaling and Carson Daly announce the nominees on Thursday morning. For this part, our focus will be on the laughter source for the past TV season: COMEDY!

Okay let’s begin with current champ Modern Family. This show has been dominating this category winning the past three years, and a fourpeat is indeed very possible. This Las Vegas episode is one of their more buzzed ones this season, and it’s a very obvious possibility to win as well. Then of course there’s Jodie Foster. Sure she’s no Fincher or Scorsese, but Lesbian Request Denied is a top episode for OITNB’s first season and with the deafening buzz it has, it’s likely she’ll get in here. I’m also predicting the pair of writer/creator/director Louis CK and Lena Dunham. Both have been nominated here for the past two seasons of their shows though I have to say Louis CK is probably the more assured contender here as compared to Dunham. But this semi-sort of creative resurgence for Girls can give her a nod here. As for the last spot, I’m giving it to the duo of Phil Lord and Chris Miller simply because they love pilots in here and it’s the most logical pilot in contention, and second, the duo comes from a hit summer film and a great 2014 year so far.

As much as it does not make sense, Episodes is 2/2 so far when it comes to getting a nomination, so it’s really hard to bet against it. Thus, I guess I’m going with it for my first slot here. Then the writing/directing categories is a haven of some sort for pilot episodes, and I think that will put I Wasn’t Ready in a good position for a nomination as well. Louis CK has won in this category two years ago and has three nods under her belt, so a nod is assured. So Did the Fat Lady is his best contender this year, and I won’t be surprised if it goes on and win all the way. The risk I’m doing though is to predict two Louie nominations here, though I guess I’m putting a lot of faith with the writers and they have delivered before. As for Veep, they finally did the right thing of submitting only one episode for consideration, so it’s really easy to rally up at this point, though I won’t be surprised if it misses simply because it’s not even their best episode of the season (Debate anyone?) and that this sort of “submitting only one episode” has backfired in the past (last year’s Arrested Development as for starters).

Right now, two previous winners are in the running this year: Jimmy Fallon for SNL and current champ Bob Newhart for The Big Bang Theory, and I think it will be an easy repeat of nomination for the both of them. Then there’s Louis CK coming back for a consecutive nod for SNL as well. Louis CK is one the Emmys love to nominate and he has been beating his own record the past few years already, so another nod here isn’t surprising at all. I think James Earl Jones will get nommed as well since Big Bang managed to pull of a win for an overdue veteran last year, so they know how to headline their vets to get awards traction. As for Nathan Lane, it’s really hard to argue against him especially if he managed to get in for a cameo-like performance last year. And he even had meatier role this year. The last spot I reserve for that “dramatic” performance that usually gets in every year (Eli Wallach and Bobby Cannavale for Nurse Jackie, and Idris Elba for The Big C the past four years), and this year I think Louie is the show getting that slot, and my bet is on 2x Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner. His performance is very dramatic and no comedy element to it at all, but his sheer star power can and Oscar pedigree can give him an Emmy nod as well.

Despite her SNL guesting going mediocre over the years, it’s hard to bet against Melissa McCarthy getting in once again so that’s one slot. The same can be said for Tina Fey who got in the last three years she was eligible here. In a fair world, none of them are getting nominated. And with Shameless shifting to the Comedy categories , it’s easier to get confident with Joan Cusack’s chances. If she can get in every single year in a more competitive Drama, this one is an easier path to a repeat nomination. And then we have Oscar nominee June Squibb. La Squibb is in contention for three different performances in this category: Girls, Glee, and Getting On. My bet is on Girls though since it’s her baitiest one (she’s on the brink of death, voters!!!). Then as for the last two spots, I have reserved one for an Orange is the New Black. My bet is on Laverne Cox since it’s more of a statement of some sort for someone like her to get awards recognition and her episode submission is basically where her character is the focus of it. But then again, I really wouldn’t be surprised if she missed instead for co-star Uzo Aduba. Aduba has been the viewer favorite character all along, and she’s been working the circuit the past few months. And then the last slot I’m giving to a Louie lady. I went with Sarah Baker with the same reasoning of why I went with Laverne Cox: her episode is the more buzzed Louie one. But then again, she’s up against Oscar winner and Emmy semi-fave Ellen Burstyn. Last year, the Emmy went with the popular Oscar winning actress (Melissa Leo) over the online favorite (Parker Posey), and I won’t be surprised if they follow the same format this year with Burstyn getting in over Baker.

So will Modern Family get four actors again? I won’t be quick to say that again. Last year, Stonestreet missed a year after winning, so I won’t be too easy in thinking they’d get all of them in as well. Let’s get with the easy ones: Ty Burrell is making it in. I think he’s the last standing survivor when the Emmys start to drop it. And for some reason, they have a hard on for Jesse Tyler Ferguson. He’s the only other guy aside from Burrell to get in the past four seasons, so I think he has the other advantage as well. And then of course we have current champ Tony Hale from Veep who probably has a huge chance of repeating that win. I’m also predicting Andre Braugher. I mean if he can get two nods out of Men of a Certain Age, they won’t let the opportunity of nominating him for a comedic role pass by. And of course he’s good in it. I’m going back and forth with Girls’ Adam Driver since he seems like a one time thing, and I’m expecting a decline of nods for the show in general, but between his film projects and his recent Star Wars casting, he’s slowly building the clout to have a strong résumé. The last spot I’m reserving for the two Modern Family men. Ed O’Neill can easily go on for his fourth consecutive nod here, but my hunch is that like Jane Lynch’s comeback last year, Eric Stonestreet will have his this year especially since it’s a crucial season for his character.

Unlike the men of Modern Family, the women have an easier time getting in annually just because there are only two of them in this category. Thus, it’s easy to say that both Julia Bowen and Sofia Vergara will be back as nominees again. And the same can be said for The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik who even got an individual SAG mention earlier this year which pretty much indicates that there’s a level of support for her performance. If only for the reason that she’s in Veep, and I’m sensing an upward trajectory in terms of its overhaul nod, I’m predicting Anna Chlumsky this year too. She doesn’t have a winning season or a winning tape, but I don’t see her being a one time deal here (even if she makes sense as one). And since her last nomination eight years ago, it’s nice to finally see Allison Janney back in the race, even doing some sort of the record Edie Falco had (by winning a Lead Drama and Comedy Actress Emmy) only this time, she’ll do the Supporting one for her role in Mom. This has been some sort of a banner year for Janney in TV if her double wins at the Critics Choice Awards is too looked at. And lastly, we have current champ Merritt Wever versus Kate Mulgrew. It’s quite odd that Wever isn’t a shoo-in when she beat those four ladies I’m predicting as “sure bets” in this category, but it’s the Emmys we’re talking about here, and a surprise of some sort usually happens. The reason I predicted Kate Mulgrew over here there though is that because Mulgrew is a respected veteran who hasn’t been nominated for any Emmy yet, and she seems poised as the most logical supporting actress from Orange to make some sort of impact in this race.

TALK. ABOUT. BARREN. Oh god this category can’t even get any more lively after Alec Baldwin’s exit last year. Well let’s begin with Jim Parsons, as surely he’s one of the two I’m 100% confident in. The other is definitely Louis CK. While his is not the type of performance they usually reward here, a nomination is another thing. So whatever happens in this category (may it be a revamp or the same old line up), those two would manage to be in the final line up. We also have Golden Globe winner Andy Samberg who benefits from a weak line up. If we still have the Carells and the Baldwins here, I’m sure he would be struggling to get a nomination to be honest. And that’s coming from someone who LOVE him in Brooklyn Nine Nine. Just like his show, Matt LeBlanc seems to have his fans in the voting Academy that I won’t be surprised if he gets in again. I mean I had him as an alternate last year and look at what happened. You also get to predict Don Cheadle at this point even if his show stopped making sense a long time ago simply because we have to fill in the six slots here. Oh my god that was very boring to type. And in a certain surprising turn of events, Shameless suddenly decided to shift genres this time, and if there’s one benefit I see happening from that, it’s that William H. Macy can take advantage of this line up to finally get himself a Lead Acting nom. I mean if not him, who else is there? Thomas Middleditch in a show no one cared about? Jonathan Groff in a show everyone cared about… to trash? Canceled sitcom stars Robin Williams and Michael J. Fox? This is so barren that Macy can consider himself lucky. Sadly the same can’t be said about his co-star Emmy Rossum.

I mean at this point who even cares? Let’s just send the Emmy to Julia Louis Dreyfus’ home and we’ll be done with this. Or not. Maybe because she’ll give an extremely awesome speech the way she did the last two years. But yes, Julia’s winning this easily so let’s just see the five other clappers in this category. First we have Edie Falco. Nurse Jackie‘s sort of semi-comeback among awards show contenders means only two things: 1. the show is having some creative resurgence or 2. the field is so empty. I guess I’ll leave the answer to you then. Then we have Lena Dunham in possibly the best season she had as an actress of the show. I think that if the field continues to be this weak here, Dunham can manage to survive one to two more Best Actress nods under her belt regardless of the show’s reception. And then there’s forever the bridesmaid Amy Poehler. At this point, Poehler had done everything to win the Emmy, but voters aren’t really responding to these type of Michael Schur characters (I mean hello Steve fucking Carell). In the past, she already submitted a two parter, achieved a nod when her show is a Series nominee, got Writing and Acting nod the same year and yet none of those still worked. So I guess a nomination would suffice again this year. Then this year’s newbie is filled by Taylor Schilling as the core character from the huge ensemble of Orange is the New Black. That last spot I can see can go to Mindy Kaling (who’s a past nominee for Writing) and her announcing the Emmy nods might be an obvious indicator of that, but I guess I wouldn’t just underestimate Chuck Lorre at this point so I’m going with Mom‘s Anna Faris for the last slot.

And we’re here at the final stretch. Okay let’s get the obvious ones out of the way. Modern Family is soooo getting in so there’s Slot 1. Veep is easily making it for Round 3 so there’s Slot 2. Orange is the new Black is too big to ignore that if there’s only one room for a newbie here, that would be it. So there goes Slot 3. Louie’s msot recent season has been more dramatic than comedic, but it has the critics rallying up behind it that it’s gonna be surprising if it suddenly missed after finally penetrating last year’s line up. And then there’s the fourth slot. The Big Bang Theory hasn’t achieved the same critical and commercial buzz it had last year (and yet it was used to no avail since they did not win Series), so even if their chances somehow weakened, a series nod is still manageable. Now there’s five slots already. As for that sixth slot, it starts to get tricky. On one hand, there’s Brooklyn Nine Nine a.k.a Fox’s only contender in this category. On its side, it’s a freshman show who has some sort of buzz, it’s Fox’s #1 priority here, and it’s a traditional comedy from a broadcast network. However, it’s ratings aren’t something to write home about, it doesn’t have a Tina Fey or an Alec Baldwin in its side, and that Orange is the more buzzed freshman show. Then on the other, there’s Girls. On its hit stride, voters can easily just vote the recurring nominees from last year’s batch and it can easily make it, it’s still getting awards and mentions, and its third season has been some sort of a creative resurgence from critics and fans alike. But then again, it’s not HBO’s priority, and all its buzz has dwindled so fast it’s not even the watercooler show of the season nor of this line up. Of course with the new 2% rule, there’s a possibility that we might get seven nominees in the end, but let’s stick to the current six line up. Now who do I think gets in that coveted last slot. I guess I’m going with Brooklyn Nine Nine by a hair over Girls. I think there’s more buzz for the former and traditional comedy shows still has their hold in this category despite the slow HBO dominance the past few years. Plus, the shelf life for female-led/centric shows are just two seasons and they easily drop them off. Sure Sex and the City is an exception, but Ally McBeal and Glee were lucky enough to get two nods while the likes of Desperate Housewives and ugly Betty have to settle for their only pilot season series nods. So yeah, i’m going with Brooklyn in this one.

Now there you have it. Do you think Allison Janney is finally making that Emmy comeback? Will Shameless shamelessly moving to the comedy category finally catch another acting nod aside from Joan Cusack? And how many Modern Family actors can survive this season? Tomorrow, the last part as we tackle the drama categories! Thanks for reading!

So I decided to skip my annual movie, TV shows, red carpet looks, and songs lists for this year since I have no time to write them all. Instead, I’ll be posting my favorite moments of 2013 in GIF style. So yes, most of these would be from awards show ceremonies or basically any pop culture event of the year. Okay.

Okay so let’s begin with five six time Oscar loser a.k.a Albert Nobbs herself Glenn Close. At the Golden Globes last January, Close probably thought that she’s also one of the cool kids when she decided to play drunk after Tina Fey’s signal. You probably have no idea how epic this moment was. I mean I can’t even choose my favorite part. Is it the closing of her eyes to give a more convincing portrayal? Is it when she changed her mind and started to look up the heavens instead to make it even more convincing? Is it her husband’s coy “WTF I think I actually married Alex Forrest” tepid laugh? I guess I have to go with none of the above and choose the closing shot of her looking sideways to see check if people find her stuff funny.

That same night, we’re treated to one of the best (and yes I mean the best) awards show presentations ever. When SNL alums Kristin Wyg and Will Pharrell (as Tina Fey would say it) presented the Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical/Comedy, I.WAS.DYING. As a refresher, here’s how they described the nominees that night:

(on Emily Blunt’s Salmon Fishing in Yemen): “When the salmon comes out.. and when the bad guy comes…. and the salmon was like.. and you’re in Yemen.”
(on Judi Dench of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel): “That Judi Dench. Where did she come from? Unknown, she used to be a police officer, and this is her fist movie. And when all the marigold comes out.. and it’s on her hair. And on one scene, she looks at the town people and she’s like “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”(on Jennifer Lawrence of Silver Lings Playbook): “Ugh love Jennifer Lawrence. J.LAW. And then comes the silverrr!! I thought it was an animated film. And all the silver she has collected and they tried to get it away from her and she’s like “NOOO! THAT’S MY COOKBOOK!” and she’s like “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”(on Maggie Smith of Quartet): “And no one knows what a quartet is. IT IS AMBIGUOUS! And you think you know what it is, but then the guy comes and says “I think I know what a quartet is!” but he doesn’t”
(on Meryl Streep of Hope Springs): “And Meriall Streep. And she’s the sassy sheriff! “I’m Hope Springs!” She comes in a horse and she’s like she looks at the town people and she’s says “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”

UGH TYPING THAT WAS A HOOT. I’m laughing again. And everyone in the room was actually entertained. Everyone that is except that creature named Tommy Lee Jones.

Ugh Gramps looked grumpy as hell during that presentation. Guess what TLJ, that was my exact look when you stole that Oscar from Ralph Fiennes and Leonardo di Caprio.

Then we have the Screen Actors Guild Awards where you’re allowed to waste a minute of your life listening to Giuliana Rancic say things like this:

Girl is useless as their manicam. By the way let’s appreciate that the SAG was the only time this award season where Anne Hathaway opened her mouth and said something entertaining that does not involve
a.”a blunt object I will forevermore use as a weapon against self-doubt”,b. thanking Victor Hugo
c. thinking her Oscar win will stop prostitution.
d. correcting the spelling of her name
It was when Anne presented with co-star Hugh Jackman and they played a banter of how they will describe Les Mis in 2013.

Yes Anne, you crushed it. Speaking of crushed, don’t you love this BFF pic of Nicole Kidman and the lesser Nicole Kidman Naomi Watts at the SAGs? Go Nic, giving some Regina George fierceness.

Prior to her history making releasing an album without anything stint, Beysus graced us all with her presence at the Superbowl. But it wasn’t even her who stole the show. Two words: poor Michelle.

Go poor Michelle!! Put that one day off to good use and appear at the Superbowl.I’m living for her facial reaction. She suddenly got cocky when she realized she did not fall off the mosh pit. YESSS!!

But then again, we’re quickly reminded why she never skyrocketed as a solo artist. I mean not literally a rocket but even Bey can do it.

Anyway, let’s move on to the Grammys a.k.a the first televised exam to see if Taylor Swift knows this song…

or this song…

and this one as well…

and did you know she knew this song too?

Okay we get it Taylor. You know all the songs. But then again who wants to see her do it for a fifth time when you can see Legend Kidman bopping to that Bob Marley tribute?

It wasn’t as epic as her singing Teenage Dream at the Grammys last year but she gets bonus points because Adele is wearing a red doily.

Then there’s also the BAFTA where the only two interesting things we saw were Dame Dench’s O face (and when I say O, I mean Oh my god!) as Javier Bardem falls asleep

and David O. Russell’s reaction when Emmanuelle Riva wins Best Actress.

I was secretly wishing Emmanuelle would say “I beat J.Law” at the podium but then I remembered she doesn’t speak in English. So maybe in French? Anyway, off to the Oscars.

Okay remember when I said a few posts above that Giuliana Rancic is as useless as the manicam? Well I take it back. The Manicam is more useful than Giuliana apparently. I’m pretty sure it made Catherine Zeta Jones upset when Ryan Seacrest denied her to do one. You can clearly see in her eyes she wants to parade her fingers on the manicam. Not good, Ryan!

In April this year, Reese Witherspoon was arrested by the cops but she tried to get herself out of this…

…which only means she ended up in prison with a mugshot. You should have called Elle Woods to save you, Reese.

Taylor Swift won eight Billboard Music Awards in May of this year. But surprisingly, not any of those can match the WIN level of her reactions here:

Meanwhile, Miguel channels his inner Bjorn Barrefors and trains for the Olympics on air

Ouch for that woman whose head was found in between Miguel’s legs.

And as everyone celebrates film over at the Cannes Film Festival, two tiny teeny things clearly doesn’t wanna be there. Julianne Moore’s little toes can’t wait enough to go home instead they’re trying to escape while she’s on the red carpet.

Still on the subject of feet, it’s not cool to talk about North West anymore, so let’s just hope Kim K’s feet some speedy recovery for everything they’ve been through this year:

Yes Debra Messing don’t act too surprised, those are her feet.

Last August 10, two of the biggest popstars go head to head as Lady Gaga releases Applause and Katy Perry releases Roar on the same week. You know it was bound to get messy.

And someone’s coming out on top:

But come the VMAs, it wasn’t even the two of them who became the talk of the town. But before that we saw…

Justin Timberlake joined by four other lessers perform,

Taylor Swift asking her BFF to STFU,

Willow Smith whipping her head back and forth as Jaden Smith tries another shot at “acting”,

Lady Gaga opening the show,

but Katy Perry closing it.. (Ouch Gags! Was that msg for you?)

But it Miley who made the whole thing classic. Even getting a classic rxn from Rih

‘

September also was the end for Breaking Bad. And I think no amount of GIF will give it justice so I’ll just post a photo of Bryan and Aaron because uhm, duh, bitch.

And when the Emmys came, Neil Patrick Harris bombed as host, but no other bombed better than what this guy did:

Then cute Merritt Wever gives one of the best Emmy speeches ever when she said nothing but…

while Julia Louis Dreyfus stays in character in her speech.

Michael Douglas, meanwhile, uses Matt Damon as metaphor in his thank you speech

And though he did not win, Kevin Spacey still scores one in my b0ok after doing this:

And the delight of Oprah pushing people

And last month, Miley Cyrus wins Round 2 of best performance at the American Music Awards when she performs with a huge cat behind her:

As Ariana Grande shows us all how it’s really done just by standing up.

Meanwhile, a certain legend named Christina Aguilera is slaying the red carpet fo’sho:

And that’s how you make an exit! Wait let me reiterate

On the other hand, here’s how you make an entrance. An album entrance that is. As Beysus Christ showed us, just drop em ‘off and boom.

Let’s pause this moment and recognize Queen B.

Oh wait, did you know Britney released an album this year? I’m sure even she’s not aware, but I guess she’s raking it in Vegas no so go Brit and

And as Oscar season comes, we’re treated to a whole lot of epic GIFs from contenders like this of J.Law pleading…

or Sandra Bullock in Gravity a.k.a basically whatever you wanna do to your enemy

But to close this off, a legendary performance to close the year happened between Gags and Legend X when they did a duet of Do What U Want on The Voice finale.

Anybody who does not get the ABBA meets Whatever Happened to Baby Jane reference is deads to me. Plus, I’d kill to have my head on Legend’s bosoms. Anyway, cheers to a happy 2013 and let’s hope for crazier things this 2014.

It was the television season of 2009-2010 when we were first introduced to three different families: the Dunphys with control freak mom Claire and happy go lucky dad Phil, the Pritchetts with sexy and loud Latina Gloria and a much older husband Jay, and gay couple Mitchell and Cameron. Four years later, with four Comedy Series Emmys, stars as household names, and a hundred plus nominations from different TV award giving bodies, Modern Family is definitely one of the landmarks of TV comedy this generation.

And as the show celebrate their 100th episode this week, let’s take a visit down memory lane and check the show’s fifteen best episodes from the first 99 ones:

I’m very lenient when it comes to pilot episodes of comedies since it needs a certain amount of time before the show can finally find and settle with the direction of where it wants to go. With that said, Modern Family is off to a good start by coming up with one of the funniest pilot episodes in years. The show gave a clear background of all the characters and introduced us to their world instantly. And of course, who would ever forget the Circle of Life moment which is like one of the best use of the song since…well…uhm… The Lion King?

Eight episodes later, and we had the first birthday of the show when Luke Dunphy had his animal themed birthday. Between Gloria jumping as the men drools over her, Claire trying her best in the bead section of the party, and the introduction of Fizbo the clown a.k.a. one of the most memorable alter egos in the show, it’s definitely one of the show’s strongest episodes.

Valentine episodes are common among comedy series, so it’s hard to come up with a memorable one, but the show’s first take on it is its best one yet. If Cameron has Fizbo, then Phil and Claire has Clive and Julianna as their alter egos. This also addressed the initial observation between Jay and Gloria’s age differences, but in a very comedic manner. Now if only the show’s succeeding Valentine-themed ones were as great as this one…

As I mentioned above, one of the best things about Modern Family is how they address the issues about the show and the characters in it. During the first season, the show received some flack for not showing any kisses between gay couple Cam and Mitch. And with this second episode from their sophomore season, they finally managed to answer all back in a very heartfelt manner. Kudos, guys!

During its first airing, it was a pretty weird theme as it was up against Glee‘s Grilled Cheesus episode. Both involved religious themed storylines, and we saw both of it in the same week. But this one is probably more consistent, as it showed three different storylines, all funny as they revolve around one incident: the earthquake. If Gloria killing a rat isn’t enough for you, then maybe Phil surviving a cabinet fall while Claire is stuck with the plumber might do the trick.

Definitely what I consider as my most favorite episode of Modern Family ever, I have probably lost count on how many times I’ve seen this episode. On one hand, you have Cam and Mitch battling it out with a lesbian couple for a shot at an exclusive school. On the other, you have Gloria’s rowdy fight with her neighbor’s dog. And over at the Dunphys, a contest on who can stand away from technology the longest is happening. If Earthquake managed to bring three storylines with one relation, then this one had three separate storylines all working effectively. I still howl like a mad man everytime Gloria mentions that “jar of pickols“.

Winner of the Emmy for Best Directing in a Comedy Series, the show’s first Halloween episode is definitely a riot in almost any aspect. You have Mitchell being stuck in the bathroom of his office donning a Spiderman costume, Phil and Claire’s over the top Halloween preparations, and Gloria’s accent issues are the highlight of this episode. As the show went on, Modern Family have become some sort of formulaic wit their treatment of the episodes, but this belongs to the earlier ones where everything is still fresh and clicking.

It’s safe to say that one of the show’s secret weapons is its great use of its ensemble. That’s why storylines that involve the whole cast is such a joy to watch. For the show’s second season, it’s Manny’s turn to celebrate his birthday and while this would have been a perfect time for a celebration, the opposite happens to be the case for each of the family’s feuding issues. With that said, how the show managed to still end up on a sweet note is what earns the “aww” after watching this episode.

It is no secret that most of the stories featured in the show were from real life experiences of the writing group. That’s why it’s even funnier when Caught in the Act was shown primarily because of them admitting who are responsible for what stories. It was writer Jeffrey Richman’s own experience on what happened to Cama nd Mitch’s spilling issue, while show creator Steven Levitan is guilty of the Dunphy’s. If you still need more evidence on why this episode is one of the show’s best, one simply has to remember that uncompromising position between Phil and Claire at the start of the episode to prove my point.

Moving on to the show’s third season, this is the first episode that particularly clicked with me. That “door to door” montage of Claire, Jay and Manny, and Cameron and Gloria is one of the best edited scenes of the whole series. This episode shows us the fatherly side of Jay, which is a rarity in the show and with his character. Plus points to that Streetcar Named Desire reference in Gloria and Cam’s story.

The leap day narrative has been done in at least three shows the week this was aired, but what made this one memorable is that they connected it with a character, as it was revealed that it was Cam’s birthday. Just the mere fact that Cam is in denial that this is his 40th birthday, as compared to his claim that it’s his 10th one is already a hoot. Then you also have Phil’s wish for this day to be special which is so typical of his character to do, and of Claire to be the thorn in his rose of plans. Gloria and Jay’s was the filler one here, but as expected, they managed to wrap this up in the end with a heart-tugging celebration that involved the whole ensemble.

Modern Family has a habit of screwing up their season finale episodes. In the first season, I would have preferred it if Hawaii was their last episode. In the second one, See You Next Fall made more sense as the season closer. But for the show’s third season, they finally managed to hit it the right way. As the episode began, it seemed like it’s your typical episode with all the comedy already. But it went to be more dramatic as it progresses, and it just ended on that bittersweet moment with Cam and Mitch under the stars. Also, it’s their first time to do a cliff hanger story with Gloria’s revelation.

Current winner of the Directing in a Comedy Emmy, Arrested is a perfect throwback to the older Modern Family. At this stage in the show, they have already managed to pair up all possible combination in their ensemble, but it’s still refreshing to see them do it by threes instead. Also, it’s great that they focus some of their major storylines to the kids in the show (particularly Haley in this one, since the kids have already built a fanbase of their own, and has shown multiple times in the past that they are capable to deliver as well) since it’s always the adults who take up the credit in terms of the show’s acting.

Now we’re even when it comes to season finales. If the first two finales were underwhelming, the latter two definitely were much better ones. Goodnight Gracie is a very dramatic arc to say the least, we’re attending a funeral after all. But if there’s one show that manages to bring the optimism in cases such as this, it’s definitely this one. It felt like an effective throwback to the first season where in the characters are not playing exaggerated versions of themselves (a habit most sitcoms are guilty of), and the sweetness isn’t totally forced. I also noticed how the spotlight in the series finales isn’t limited to one person only, and Alex giving that speech is a worthy way to end an uneven season.

As for the show’s current season, what I particularly love about this episode is that it makes the show feel as if it’s a character in the episode as well. With this one, it’s as if the show is on its first day as well, as it tries out new approach in its storytelling. From the stories in the actual episode, up until the delivery of the “lesson” at the end and the transitions in between stories, this is Modern Family doing a different approach. And I’m sorry but I can’t let my discussion of this episode pass without mentioning that hilarious Gloria and Phil moments as commercial extras.

There you have it! Are you excited for the episode this week? And did you love their new OBB? Don’t forget to watch Modern Family this Wednesday, 9 PM on ABC.

After supporting actor in a comedy series, let’s give the moment to the ladies now by tackling their counterparts: comedy’s supporting actresses. This year, we have a boatload of nominees here, as this category expanded to seven. And despite that, Arrested Development’s Jessica Walter still find herself with no nomination for the show’s fourth season. Poor Lucille.

Anyway, let’s begin with the cable ladies. Merritt Wever picked up a consecutive nod for her performance in Nurse Jackie. Truth be told, this late surge of love for her is something that I did not see coming at all. If anything, this would have made more sense during the show’s first season when the show was nominated for the top award. In her episode Teachable Moments, she wasn’t given much to do, and while she has the occasional snarks here and there, she’s relegated to a weak and unmemorable storyline.

Over at HBO, Anna Chlumsky is another of those who received a surprising nod. With the entire false buzz regarding her back and forth change of submission, it’s nice to see her stick with First Response. In this episode, she gets crazier than usual, as she refuses to let loose when Veep Meyer was in for an interview by Alison Janney’s character. However, this episode appeals more to those actual fans of the show.

Then we have a series of returning kids. Not only that, but they share the same first name as well. First, you have Jane Krakowski who submitted the hour long submission. While this gave her double screentime, it doesn’t put her to much advantage as compared to the Modern Family women who have, unintentionally, two submissions each. To be fair though, her song at the end of her long episode is one that will certainly bring votes her way.

After a year of snub, 2010 winner Jane Lynch is also back in contention. Sadly for her, she has been relegated to near guest-star status in terms of exposure in the show this season. In her episode Feuds though, we get to see her channel her inner Nicki Minaj with her Starship numbers with complete costume, wigs, and shiny lights to boot. Aside from that though, there’s nothing left for her submission to think that it runs for 42 minutes. Not her fault though.

Sofia Vergara has a reputation of a bad Emmy submitter. It all started when she submitted Not In My House in 2010, and it even solidified when she followed it with Slow Down Your Neighbors the following year. To her credit though, she made stronger choices since then such as her Tableau Vivant last year, and this year’s Yard Sale. In this episode, she gets to show some flashback about her beauty pageant years and perform puppetry at the end of her episode. Her only battle though is that the Emmys love her co-star better, so she can play second fiddle to her again.

Speaking of co-star, Julie Bowen is aiming for a three-peat this year. After submitting My Hero, it’s pretty clear that her team already mastered the art of finding what Emmy voters find in her character. In this episode, she has the heart and the laughs. And she is (unintentionally) helped once again by co-star Vergara’s tape. While I wouldn’t hate Julie Bowen just because she’s the one who keeps on winning here, she can be the Brad Garrett to Sofia Vergara’s Peter Boyle.

Lastly, there’s The Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik.After being open last year that it was not her choice for a submission and that the networks opted for her, it seemed more in-synch with her this year, as she gets to pretend that she’s sick in her submission The Fish Guts Displacement. This episode is a showcase for her, though I don’t think it’s as strong as it perceived to be. She might benefit from having majority of her scenes interacting with Jim Parsons though, and she does a lot of physical comedy here.

As for who’s gonna win here, while I don’t think it’s out of the realm to see Sofia Vergara or Mayim Bialik pull a win here, it ultimately boils down to Julie Bowen for a three-peat or Jane Krakowski as the show’s farewell acting win ala Megan Mullally in 2006. For the meantime, I don’t see a slowdown of MF domination in the supporting categories, so I’ll be predicting Julie Bowen instead.

If you’re not one of those who are concerned about the awards competition, then you’re probably in for the fashion right? TV’s biggest night just finished a while ago, and here are those who deserve Emmys for bringing award worthy moments in the red carpet.

You can click the photos for the larger version. Credits to yahoo.com and justjared.com for the photos!

16. JANE KRAKOWSKI

This 30 Rock supporting actress might have been deprived of an Emmy nomination this year, but this Kaufman Franco glittery dress that she paired with a Judith Leiber clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewels is a definitely a winning look in my book.

15. ALLISON WILLIAMS

Girls star Allison Williams stood out from all her co-stars in this Emmy nominated program when she stepped out of the red carpet wearing this emerald green Oscar dela Renta dress in the red carpet.

14. MELISSA RAUCH

From one green dress to the next one, The Big Bang Theory‘s Melissa Rauch kept it cute and wholesome in this green couture dress that was made by Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino.

13. AMY POEHLER

While we are still waiting for that moment when she’ll finally win an Emmy for herself, let’s all just pause and get content that now single Amy Poehler rocked the red carpet in this Stella McCartney shining dress that she paired with a $2 ring that she got from her kid’s toy box.

12. JESSICA PARE

Pare might be the latest addition among the Mad Men women cast, but she looks so pro as she looked divine in this white Jason Wu gown that she paired with Bulgari jewels.

11. JANUARY JONES

From the new Mrs. Don Draper, let’s shift to the original one. January Jones skipped the Emmys last year, and she really made her presence felt this time around when she came back with a bang wearing this Zac Posen creation. I would have advised her to lessen the eye make up though.

09. JULIE BOWEN

Two time-Emmy winner Julie Bowen is one of the trifecta of Emmy winnrs who wore yellow at the event. In here, this strapless Monique Lhuiller gown complimented the Emmy she will be taking home.

08. PADMA LAKSHMI

Top Chef might not have won the Best Reality/Competition program, but Padma Lakshmi is all sort of winning in this orange Monique Lhuiller gown that she wore at the ceremonies.

07. SARAH PAULSON

Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries nominee Sarah Paulson might not have been swept away with the Game Change love last night, but this blue Reem Acra creation is winning on so many levels.

06. CLAIRE DANES

There are three things that Claire Danes must be proud of after last night. First is her new baby, second is her new Emmy, and the third one is her ravishing look in this bright yellow Lanvin gown that she matched off with Christian Louboutin heels.

05. JULIA LOUIS DREYFUS

Three time Emmy winner Julia Louis Dreyfus’ presence has been really missed in the Emmy red carpet after skipping last year, and she came back not only to receive an Emmy, deliver an awesome speech, and show to everyone her winning Vera Gown outfit.

04. GINNIFER GOODWIN

The Once Upon a Time star looked very interesting with this very detailed orange Monique Lhuiller creation that she paired with Christian Louboutin transparent heels, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

03. SOFIA VERGARA

Sofia had no such luck on her third attempt to win an Emmy, but it’s also her third time to appear on my yearly Emmy list with this aqua blue Zuhair Murad gown. She should be considered for a grand slam already.

02. NICOLE KIDMAN

This is Nicole Kidman’s debut appearance at the Emmys, and she certainly did not disappoint, as she looked ravishing and young in this Antonio Berardi creation that was just launched last week and Christian Siriano heels. Props to her style team for being that quick.

01. HEIDI KLUM

And the best dressed list is topped this year by none other than Heidi Klum who wears this very eye relaxing Alexander Vauthier creation that has a very high slit to boot. This is how you show a leg without looking tacky. Angelina, take notes!

That’s it! Another year of television done, and another one to look forward to. Who were the winners for you red carpet wise? Pipe them in below!